In his first NBA season outside of the Portland Trail Blazers organization, Damian Lillard had his ups and downs for the Milwaukee Bucks.
Some nights, such as Milwaukee’s recent victory against the Brooklyn Nets, he will look like the top 75 players of all time, while on others he will struggle a lot. Luckily, it’s been more of the former than the latter lately, as Lillard has been in a great rhythm. Over his last three games, the veteran has averaged 31 points while shooting 51.6 percent from the floor and 51.7 percent from deep.
When Lillard hits his shots at an efficient pace, Milwaukee becomes that much more dominant.At first glance, this doesn’t seem too far-fetched. Yes, one would expect the team to perform at a higher level when the star guard is shooting efficiently, but what about? post a record of 23-1 When Lillard is shooting 50 percent or better this season? It’s downright incredible.
THE @Deer are now 23-1 this season in games where Damian Lillard shoots 50% or better
— Justin García ???? | @justinagarcia.bsky.social (@JustinGarciaNBA) March 22, 2024
There are few players more difficult to deal with than a red-hot Lillard. Not only can he weave through the defense, but he can also move away from the logo at any time. He’s an elite scorer and, as this particular stat shows, the Milwaukee Bucks are tough when he puts points on the board with regularity.
Now the key for Lillard will be to do it with Milwaukee’s other two top scorers. There hasn’t been much continuity for these three this season, as it feels like one of them has always been absent. When these three play, the Milwaukee Bucks don’t need Lillard to always leave 30 – although it certainly wouldn’t hurt – but they do need efficiency to take this team to the next level.
Above all else, the most important area for Lillard will be his perimeter shooting. He’s currently enjoying his second-most efficient 3-point shooting month of the 2023-24 season, and it’s taken his game to the next level. With Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton on the court, Lillard will get his share of beauty from deep (and everywhere else), and he simply has to take advantage of it.
This particular stat could make or break Milwaukee’s title aspirations in the coming months.
Stay tuned for more analysis on the Milwaukee Bucks.
